Austin Signature Events: 7 Can’t-miss Festivals for Culture, Music

Keep Austin weird. That’s the vibe visitors can expect in this eclectic Texas hot spot. The city ranks among top lists for music, food and diversity, and the best way to experience it all is attending an annual event. And there are dozens of them. So we rounded up a few Austin signature events and what to expect. Check them out.

Top 7 Austin Signature Events You Can’t Miss

South by Southwest (March)

South by Southwest (SXSW) focuses on helping creative people achieve goals and uniting the community. This 10-day event ranks among the largest Austin signature events and showcases film, music, comedy and more. Through interactive exhibits, a conference, live performances, exhibits and networking, the festival educates and inspires visitors.

SXSW kicks off with a variety of presentations, demonstrations, and film festival complete with screenings and celebrities. A few days later, the trade show and music festival begin, featuring artists and performers from around the world. The final weekend brings the gaming expo, more live music, award ceremonies and closing parties.

Guests can purchase tickets based on what they want to do at SXSW, however pricing does increase as the festival approaches.

Urban Music Festival (March)

For two days every spring, Urban Music Festival (UMF) brings 10,000 attendees together to hear urban music, including rhythm and blues, rap, soul, and blues.

In addition to live music from big names, UMF showcases amateur vocalists and musicians through its Soultree Collective. The initiative helps adolescents develop and sharpen their skills, so they can join Austin’s R&B scene. Since the festival’s inception, over 90 kid performers have taken the stage.

Art City Austin (April)

Art City Austin serves as Austin’s most popular arts festival. Every April, over 100 local and visiting artists from all over come together to showcase special creations. In addition to browsing local artists, attendees can view large-art installations and see fine art performances.

Families are welcome to attend Art City Austin and will find several children activities. Hands-on projects keep them busy while parents learn about Austin Children’s Theater and other art organizations.

Hot Summer Nights (July)

This summer event features live music in the Red River District, a place for culture and fun. Hot Summer Nights takes places during late July for three evenings.

Visitors flock to the area to enjoy music, light shows, food and plenty of friendly people. Most shows occur at local nightlife spots, so visitors can get everything they need in one spot or hop around. A few stops include Valhalla, Barbarella and Hoboken Pie.

Waterloo Music Festival (September)

Waterloo Music Festival celebrates Austin’s local music scene. For three days in September, visitors see live performances in blues, folk, rock and soul, all along the banks of the Colorado River. Both big names and up-and-comers perform at this fall music fest.

In between sets, play games, view art, take a class, shop and eat. Activities include: water balloon fights, bocce ball, watching painters and shopping for special gifts. The festival also showcases yogis who host morning and evening classes and teach meditation.

Austin City Limits Music Festival (October)

For two weekends in October, bands from all genres come together at Austin City Limits Music Festival. Also known as ACL Fest, this event ranks among the must-sees for the season and draws over 450,000 people.

Guests have access to eight stages that welcome over 125 performers. A few examples include: Paul McCartney, Metallica, Odesza, Noname, Nelly, Highly Suspect and hundreds more. While enjoying live music, shop for local goodies, try new food, meet thousands of people and immerse in Austin’s culture.

Austin Trail of Lights (December)

Want to escape during the holiday season? Check out Austin Trail of Lights, among the Austin signature events for its long history and holiday spirit. For over 50 years, this festival has showcased beauty and community performances to get everyone in the holiday spirit.

Over 400,000 people come to Austin to see Zilker Park in December. The event begins with a fun run where guests can jog, run or walk their way through the park. Other activities include nighttime festivities, a preview party and main event, which runs from mid to late December. While strolling, see interactive displays, Austin food trucks, live music, movies and more.